Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof | Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Rittenhouse Rye is a Pennsylvania style rye whiskey, commemorating Philadelphia's famous Rittenhouse Square.
Type: It is a straight rye whiskey, indicating it comes from a single distillery.
Distillation and Maturation Process: It is a bottled in bond whiskey, meaning it is produced under U.S. government supervision, adhering to specific regulations including maturation in a warehouse for at least five years.
Age Statement: While not explicitly stated, the bottled in bond status requires a minimum of four years of aging; however, the discussion implies a focus on the five-year regulation.
Physical Description: The whiskey is described as having a diamond or square rotated shape bottle, which the reviewer finds appealing. The color, clarity, and specific bottle design details beyond shape are not described.

The Rittenhouse Rye has a spicy profile typical of rye whiskies, with a notable freshness not akin to pine but more reminiscent of ginger. It possesses some sweetness, likely due to the inclusion of sweet corn, wheat, or barley in the mash bill, as rye whiskey must be made with at least 51% rye. The flavor is described as oily, spicy, dark, strong, and intense, with additional notes of oakiness. Despite its 50% ABV (100 proof), the whiskey's smell is subtle, not fully revealing the intensity of its flavor.

The Rittenhouse Rye's heritage is tied to the early American tradition of rye whiskey production in Pennsylvania, where excess rye from local farms was distilled into whiskey by settlers with distilling knowledge from Scotland, Germany, and other parts of Europe. This historical context paints a picture of a robust, pioneering spirit associated with the founding fathers of the United States.

The whiskey's connection to Pennsylvania and, more specifically, Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, highlights its deep roots in American history and the early whiskey-making traditions of the United States. The narrative suggests a drink that embodies the rugged, resilient spirit of early American settlers and their contribution to the country's distilling heritage.

The reviewer appreciates the Rittenhouse Rye for its rough-and-tumble character, describing it as a whiskey that could revive one during a harsh winter, embodying the essence of what the founding fathers might have enjoyed. The whiskey's ability to hide its intense flavor behind a subtle smell is noted as a fascinating characteristic, likening it to a "roller coaster" of sensory experiences.

Rittenhouse Rye is a Pennsylvania style straight rye whiskey, bottled in bond, with a minimum of five years of maturation.
It features a spicy, intense flavor profile with notes of ginger and oak, despite a subtle aroma.
The whiskey has historical significance, tied to early American distilling practices in Pennsylvania.
The bottle design is distinctive, with a diamond or square rotated shape.
Priced at the lower end of the premium range, it offers a robust experience reflective of early American resilience and pioneering spirit.

History Buffs and Cultural Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the historical and cultural significance of whiskey in America would appreciate the Rittenhouse Rye for its roots in early American distilling practices.
Rye Whiskey Aficionados: Those with a preference for spicy, intense rye whiskies will find the Rittenhouse Rye's flavor profile particularly appealing.
Adventurous Drinkers: Consumers looking for a whiskey with a surprising contrast between aroma and taste might enjoy the unique experience offered by Rittenhouse Rye.
Budget-Conscious Premium Seekers: Given its position at the lower end of the premium range, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality whiskey experience without a hefty price tag.